Radio device for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals

Abstract

The radio device (10) comprises: - a support (12) including a first part (14) in the form of a truncated pyramid with polygonal bases of order N; - a plurality of antennas (20) mounted on the support (12), each antenna (20) comprising a planar radiating element (30) and a receptacle (50); the plurality of antennas (20) comprising: - a central antenna (20A) mounted on a principal face (14A) of the first part (14) of the support (12); - a first ring (22) of peripheral antennas (22A) each mounted on a peripheral face (14B) of the first part (14) of the support (12). The frame (54) of the receptacle (50) of the central antenna (20A) comprises: - a cylindrical wall with a circular cross-section; or - N planar walls corresponding to the N sides of the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a radioelectric device for transmitting and / or receiving radioelectric signals comprising: a support comprising at least a first part in the shape of a truncated pyramid with polygonal bases of order N, N being a natural number greater than or equal to 5; a plurality of antennas mounted on the support, each antenna comprising: at least one first planar radiating element extending substantially along a first plane substantially orthogonal to an antenna direction; and a receptacle in which the at least one first planar radiating element is received, the receptacle comprising a frame extending around a periphery of the at least one first planar radiating element, the frame substantially conforming to the shape of the at least one first planar radiating element; the plurality of antennas including: a central antenna mounted on a main face of at least a first part of the support corresponding to the base of the truncated pyramid closest to the apex of the corresponding pyramid so that the antenna direction of the central antenna is substantially orthogonal to said main face; at least a first ring of peripheral antennas each peripheral antenna of at least a first ring of peripheral antennas being mounted on a peripheral face of at least a first part of the support corresponding to a face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid so that the antenna direction of said peripheral antenna is substantially orthogonal to said peripheral face.

[0002] The technical field is that of antennas, particularly phased array antennas. Such antennas are especially capable of generating one or more radio beams that can be pointed over a wide angular sector.

[0003] For example, such antennas are active antennas used on small satellites (e.g., called nanosatellites), belonging to a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (or " LEO " For " Low Earth Orbit » (in English), designed in particular to provide positioning and / or navigation services across the entire Earth. Such constellations primarily use L-band or S-band frequencies.

[0004] Such antennas must allow for the reconfiguration of a radiation pattern. They must produce either a wide beam, covering the entire Earth, or directional beams, which can be aimed towards any point on Earth.

[0005] For active antennas used on low-Earth orbit satellites, the angular sector in which this beam must be formed is typically ±65°. The specified radiation is notably circularly polarized.

[0006] To obtain a satisfactory radiation pattern, a plurality of elementary antennas is arranged in the form of a network with a mesh size approximately equal to 0.5 λ, where λ is the wavelength associated with the operating frequency.

[0007] For example, the network topology includes 7 elementary antennas, arranged in a pattern of one central elementary antenna and six peripheral elementary antennas.

[0008] However, even with a network of such small dimensions, it is difficult to set up a planar elementary antenna array operating in the L-band on a 16U nanosatellite with an Earth face whose dimensions correspond to the 4U standard (20 x 20 cm2).

[0009] To operate simultaneously in two frequency bands that are about 20% apart, such as the E1 and E6 bands reserved for GNSS applications, it is necessary to respect the maximum mesh constraint of the network in the upper band, which requires using a mesh with an even smaller dimension compared to the wavelength of the lower band.

[0010] It is therefore particularly complex to develop an array of elementary antennas operating across all frequency bands of interest, producing circularly polarized radiation, and capable of presenting a mesh of sufficiently small dimensions.

[0011] Indeed, reducing the mesh size of the network can facilitate the deployment of a 7-element L-band array on a small platform, but this option is not satisfactory if dual-band operation is required. Reducing the size of the element antennas leads to a reduction in their bandwidth.

[0012] Furthermore, the smaller the elementary antennas, the more susceptible they are to mutual coupling. This mutual coupling between elementary antennas can contribute to modifying the active impedance of the different elementary antennas, depending on the amplitude and phase feed law assigned to the different elementary antennas to synthesize a radio beam in a given direction.

[0013] It then seems difficult to develop a basic antenna that operates simultaneously in the frequency bands of interest.

[0014] Elementary antennas with duplexing radiating elements are known to those skilled in the art. The radiating elements are fed by two accesses, each access being used for a single frequency band. Duplexing radiating elements exhibit isolation between the accesses in each frequency band. An example of such an elementary antenna consists of two planar radiating elements superimposed, the upper planar radiating element being fed by a coaxial cable that passes through the lower planar radiating element, and whose outer edge is connected to the center of the lower planar radiating element. The lower planar radiating element, larger than the upper planar radiating element, is fed by another coaxial cable. For example, the lower planar radiating element operates in the low band, and the upper planar radiating element operates in the high band.

[0015] When frequency bands are relatively close, the upper and lower planar radiating elements have fairly similar dimensions, and the isolation between coaxial connections is then quite limited. Improving this isolation can be beneficial.

[0016] Furthermore, to ensure satisfactory operation in small-mesh networks, the use of dielectric substrates is recommended. However, the excitation of the upper planar radiating element requires an additional layer of metallization to route the feed line that connects to the coaxial core. Connecting this line to the coaxial core is also a challenging process.

[0017] Another known problem with state-of-the-art antennas is the variation in the matching of elementary antennas depending on the pointing direction of the radio beam(s).

[0018] This phenomenon is linked to the mutual coupling between elementary antennas which contributes to modifying the active impedance of the different elementary antennas, according to the amplitude and phase feeding law assigned to the different elementary antennas to synthesize a radio beam in a given direction.

[0019] Surrounding planar radiating elements with a frame, especially a metallic one, helps to reduce this variation in active impedance, particularly when the frame has a significant height.

[0020] However, the frame height is limited because the elementary antenna operates at a frequency close to its cutoff frequency, which consequently induces frequency-dispersive operation. This then degrades the bandwidth of the elementary antenna.

[0021] One technique for stabilizing the active input impedance of elementary antennas is to incorporate apertures in the frame. This technique allows for the creation of an elementary antenna that integrates into a mesh array antenna with a mesh size of less than 0.5 λ without requiring a dielectric substrate.

[0022] This technique also helps to standardize the coupling between elementary antennas regardless of the direction of pointing of the radio beam, the effect of this mutual coupling being taken into account in the design of the antenna, so as to achieve the desired active input impedance.

[0023] Circularly polarized planar radiating elements are usually square, circular, or hexagonal in shape. To produce circular polarization in these planar radiating elements, two orthogonal modes must be excited with the same amplitude and in quadrature phase. When planar radiating elements are fed with a single access point, such excitation of the modes is usually achieved by introducing an asymmetry in the planar radiating element. This asymmetry can, in particular, be a chamfer applied to two opposite vertices of the corresponding planar radiating element when the planar radiating element is fed along its axis of symmetry.

[0024] The combination of the techniques mentioned above can be implemented to produce an elementary dual-band duplexing antenna, operating in circular polarization in both bands, and comprising at least one feed access, in particular at least two feed accesses, associated with each of the bands, and exhibiting a certain isolation between them, this elementary antenna being able to be integrated into an array antenna whose mesh size is less than 0.5 λ in the low band.

[0025] When the frequency bands are relatively close, such as the GNSS E1 and E6 frequency bands, the upper planar radiating element has dimensions quite similar to those of the lower planar radiating element. The lower planar radiating element then plays a less effective role as a ground plane with respect to the upper planar radiating element, and the isolation between the access points is insufficient.

[0026] To enable the installation of a seven-element radiating antenna on a 16U nanosatellite, with the possibility of incorporating a 300 mm² top plate on the Earth side, a conformal array architecture as described in the preamble of claim 1 is known. The projection of this array is less pronounced in the plane of the Earth side of the nanosatellite, benefiting from the tilt of the peripheral radiating elements. The tilt of the peripheral radiating elements also increases the gain at the edge of coverage for the wide beam.

[0027] However, accommodating elementary antennas in such an architecture is difficult.

[0028] In particular, it is difficult to integrate elementary antennas of classical topology (square, circular) into this conformal network geometry.

[0029] Such a network results in a poor distribution of the electric field on the radiating aperture in the excitation of spurious lobes in the radiation pattern, when the beam is strongly depointed.

[0030] One aim of the invention is therefore to offer a radioelectric device with an improved radiation pattern, while having a reduced size.

[0031] To this end, the invention relates to a radioelectric device of the aforementioned type, in which the central antenna is such that the frame of the central antenna receptacle comprises: a cylindrical wall with a circular cross-section; or N planar walls corresponding to the N sides of the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid.

[0032] Thanks to this invention, the antennas conform to the shape of the faces of the truncated pyramid, which allows for better distribution of the electric field across the aperture. This also increases the surface area of ​​the antennas. The larger the surface area allocated to the antennas, the better the radio frequency characteristics (particularly with regard to bandwidth).

[0033] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the radioelectric device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: the radio device is such that: when the frame of the central antenna receptacle comprises N planar walls, each of the N planar walls extends along one side of the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid; and when the frame of the central antenna receptacle comprises a cylindrical wall with a circular cross-section, the circular cross-section of the cylindrical wall is inscribed in the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid; each peripheral face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid has substantially a polygonal shape of order greater than or equal to 4, each peripheral antenna of at least a first ring of peripheral antennas is such that the frame of the receptacle of said peripheral antenna has a plurality of planar walls each extending substantially along one side of the polygon of the corresponding peripheral face of the truncated pyramid;Each peripheral face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid has an essentially trapezoidal shape; each peripheral antenna of at least one first ring of peripheral antennas comprises four planar walls of the receptacle frame corresponding respectively to the four sides of the trapezoid of the corresponding peripheral face of the truncated pyramid; when the receptacle frame of the central antenna comprises N planar walls, each peripheral antenna shares one planar wall of the receptacle frame with the central antenna; each peripheral antenna of at least one first ring of peripheral antennas shares one planar wall of the receptacle frame with each of the two peripheral antennas of at least one first ring of peripheral antennas adjacent to said peripheral antenna; for each antenna, the receptacle frame comprises at least one through slot; N is a natural number between 5 and 9;the radioelectric device is such that: the support includes at least a second part having a truncated pyramid shape with a polygonal base of order M, M being a natural number greater than or equal to twice N, the first part of the support being mounted on the second part of the support so that a base of the truncated pyramid of at least a second part of the support is arranged against a base of the truncated pyramid of at least a first part of the support;the plurality of antennas comprising at least a second ring of peripheral antennas, each peripheral antenna of at least a second ring of peripheral antennas being mounted on a peripheral face of at least a second part of the support corresponding to a face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid corresponding to at least a second part of the support such that the antenna direction of said peripheral antenna is substantially orthogonal to said peripheral face; the radio device is such that: each antenna further comprises at least a second planar radiating element extending substantially along a second plane, the second plane being substantially parallel to the first plane;The receptacle for each antenna further comprises a base extending substantially parallel to the foreground and background, the frame extending from the base to delimit a reception space for at least one first planar radiating element and at least one second planar radiating element.

[0034] The invention further relates to an antenna comprising: at least one first planar radiating element extending substantially along a first plane; at least one second planar radiating element extending substantially along a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane; a receptacle in which at least one first planar radiating element and at least one second planar radiating element are received, the receptacle having a frame and a base extending substantially parallel to the first and second planes, the frame extending from the base to delimit a reception space for at least one first planar radiating element and at least one second planar radiating element, the frame substantially conforming to the shape of at least one first planar radiating element, at least one first planar radiating element extending between the base and at least one second planar radiating element;a first layer of dielectric substrate extending between at least one first planar radiating element and at least one second planar radiating element; in which at least one second planar radiating element comprises an annular principal body extending along the second plane around a principal axis, the principal axis being substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes.

[0035] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to reduce the size of at least one second planar radiating element compared to at least one first planar radiating element, and thus to limit the coupling between the first and second planar radiating elements.

[0036] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the antenna comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination: the at least one second planar radiating element comprises two radial band-like portions extending from the annular main body towards the principal axis along the second plane; the antenna comprises two connectors, each connector being intended to transmit a radio signal to, or receive a radio signal from, the at least one second planar radiating element, each connector extending substantially perpendicularly to the first and second planes through the at least one first planar radiating element and the first layer of dielectric substrate, each connector being electrically connected to a free end of a radial portion of the at least one second planar radiating element; the annular main body of the at least one second planar radiating element delimits at least one notch extending from an outer periphery of the annular main body in the direction of the principal axis;the antenna further comprises a short circuit extending along the main axis from the bottom of the receptacle to at least one first radiating element, the short circuit having in cross-section substantially perpendicular to the main axis an elliptical shape centered on the main axis; the antenna further comprises a connector for transmitting a radio signal to, or receiving a radio signal from, at least one second planar radiating element, the connector extending substantially parallel to the main axis through the short circuit, at least one first planar radiating element and the first layer of dielectric substrate, the connector being electrically connected to the annular main body of at least one second planar radiating element; the connector extends along a path substantially eccentric with respect to the main axis;at least one second planar radiating element comprises a radial band-shaped portion extending from the annular main body to the main axis, the antenna further comprising a connector for transmitting a radio signal to, or receiving a radio signal from, at least one second planar radiating element, the connector extending substantially along the main axis through the short circuit, at least one first planar radiating element and the first layer of dielectric substrate, the connector being electrically connected to a free end of the radial portion of at least one second planar radiating element; the receptacle frame comprises a cylindrical wall with a circular cross-section or N planar walls extending substantially along the main axis and whose cross-section forms a polygon of order N; the receptacle frame comprises at least one through slot.

[0037] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a first embodiment of a radioelectric device according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a simplified schematic top-view representation of the antenna plurality arrangements of a radio device according to the invention, particularly in the case where the device comprises a single first ring of peripheral antennas; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a simplified schematic top-view representation of an antenna plurality arrangement of a radio device according to the invention, particularly in the case where the device comprises a single first ring of peripheral antennas and a single second ring of peripheral antennas; Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a second embodiment of a radioelectric device according to the invention; [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a first embodiment of an antenna of a radioelectric device according to the invention; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a simplified schematic cross-sectional representation of the antenna of the figure 5 according to the cutting plan VI-VI; [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a second embodiment of an antenna of a radioelectric device according to the invention; [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a simplified schematic cross-sectional representation of the antenna of the figure 7 according to section plan VIII-VIII; [ Fig. 9 ] there figure 9 is a simplified schematic perspective representation of a third embodiment of an antenna of a radioelectric device according to the invention; [ Fig. 10 ] there figure 10 is a simplified schematic cross-sectional representation of the antenna of the figure 9 according to the cutting plan XX.

[0038] With reference to figures 1 à 3 , a first embodiment of a radioelectric device 10 for transmitting and / or receiving radioelectric signals is disclosed.

[0039] The radioelectric device includes a support 12 and a plurality of antennas 20.

[0040] Support 12 includes at least one first part 14, described in more detail below.

[0041] Optionally, with reference to the figure 3 , support 12 includes at least a second part 16, described in more detail below.

[0042] In the example of figures 1 And 2 , support 12 only includes a single first part 14.

[0043] In the example of the figure 3 , support 12 includes only one first part 14 and only one second part 16.

[0044] With reference to figures 1 And 2 , the first part 14 presents a truncated pyramid shape with polygonal bases of order N, N being a natural number greater than or equal to 5.

[0045] Specifically, N is a natural number between 5 and 9.

[0046] In the example of the figure 1 , N is equal to 6.

[0047] Of course, the invention is not limited to a specific number N and the figure 2 illustrates different examples from the first part 14 with truncated pyramid shapes with polygonal bases of order ranging from 5 to 9.

[0048] In the example of the figure 3 , the second part 16 presents a truncated pyramid shape with a polygonal base of order M, M being a natural number greater than or equal to twice N.

[0049] In the specific example of the figure 3 , the second part 16 presents a truncated pyramid shape with polygonal bases of order 12.

[0050] The first part 14 of the support 12 is in particular mounted on the second part 16 of the support 12 so that a base of the truncated pyramid of the second part 16 of support 12 is arranged against a base of the truncated pyramid of the first part 14 of support 12.

[0051] Preferably, the base of the truncated pyramid of the second part 16 of support 12 arranged against the base of the truncated pyramid of the first part 14 of support 12 has dimensions, in particular an area, substantially equal.

[0052] Advantageously, with reference to figures 1 à 3 , for each truncated pyramid, each peripheral face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid essentially has a polygonal shape of order greater than or equal to 4.

[0053] In the examples of figures 1 And 2 , each peripheral face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid essentially has a polygonal shape of order 4.

[0054] In particular, in the example of figures 1 And 2 , each peripheral face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid has approximately a trapezoidal shape.

[0055] In the example of the figure 3 : for the truncated pyramid corresponding to the first part of the support, each peripheral face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid has substantially a polygon shape of order 5; and for the truncated pyramid corresponding to the second part of the support, each peripheral face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid has substantially a polygon shape of order 4.

[0056] With reference to the figure 1 , the 20 antennas of the plurality of antennas are mounted on the support 12.

[0057] The plurality of antennas 20 includes a central antenna 20A and at least a first ring 22 of peripheral antennas 22A.

[0058] Advantageously, with reference to the figure 3 , the plurality of antennas 20 further includes at least a second ring 24 of peripheral antennas 24A.

[0059] In the examples of figures 1 And 2, the plurality of antennas 20 includes a central antenna 20A and a single first ring 22 of peripheral antennas 22A.

[0060] In the example of the figure 3 , the plurality of antennas 20 includes a central antenna 20A, a single first ring 22 of peripheral antennas 22A and a single second ring 24 of peripheral antennas 24A.

[0061] With reference to figures 1 And 5 à 10 , each antenna 20 comprises at least one first planar radiating element 30 and a receptacle 50.

[0062] Advantageously, each antenna 20 further comprises at least one second planar radiating element 40.

[0063] In what follows, unless explicitly stated otherwise, one antenna 20 is described from among the plurality of antennas 20. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, this description applies to each of the antennas 20 in the plurality of antennas 20. Furthermore, the antenna 20 described comprises a single first planar radiating element 30 and, where applicable, a single second planar radiating element 40. Of course, the invention also applies in the case where the antennas 20 each comprise one or more first planar radiating elements 30 and / or one or more second planar radiating elements 40.

[0064] The first planar radiating element 30 extends substantially along a first plane P1 substantially orthogonal to a DA antenna direction. On the figure 1 only the foreground P1 corresponding to the central antenna 20A is illustrated.

[0065] The first planar radiating element 30 is received in the receptacle 50.

[0066] The first planar radiating element 30 is electrically connected to at least one first radio signal transmission connector. Specifically, the first planar radiating element 30 is intended to transmit radio signals received at the first connector or to receive radio signals to be transmitted from the first connector.

[0067] The second planar radiating element 40 extends substantially along a second plane P2. On the figure 1 , only the second plan P2 corresponding to the central antenna 20A is illustrated.

[0068] The second plane P2 is notably roughly parallel to the first plane P1.

[0069] The second planar radiating element 40 is advantageously received in the receptacle 50.

[0070] The second planar radiating element 40 is electrically connected to at least one second radio signal transmission connector. Specifically, the second planar radiating element 40 is intended to transmit radio signals received at the second connector or to receive radio signals to be transmitted from the second connector.

[0071] The receptacle 50 includes a frame 54 and advantageously a base 52.

[0072] Background 52 extends approximately parallel to the foreground P1 and background P2.

[0073] The base 52 is in particular mounted on the support 12, in particular on the corresponding part 14, 16 of the support, in particular on the face of the part 14, 16 corresponding to a face of the corresponding truncated pyramid.

[0074] The frame 54 extends from the bottom 52 to delimit a receiving space 56 for the first planar radiating element 30 and the second planar radiating element 40. In particular, the first planar radiating element 30 extends between the bottom 52 and the second planar radiating element 40.

[0075] The frame 54 extends around a periphery of the first planar radiating element 30.

[0076] Frame 54 closely follows the shape of the first planar radiating element 30.

[0077] Advantageously, the frame of the receptacle 54 includes at least one through slot 58.

[0078] With reference to the figure 1 , the central antenna 20A is mounted on a main face 14A of at least a first part 14 of the support 12 corresponding to the base of the truncated pyramid closest to the apex of the corresponding pyramid so that the antenna direction DA of the central antenna 20A is substantially orthogonal to said main face 14A.

[0079] The central antenna 20A is further such that the frame 54 of the receptacle 50 of the central antenna 20A comprises N planar walls corresponding to the N sides of the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid.

[0080] In particular, in the first embodiment of device 10, each of the N planar walls extends along one side of the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid.

[0081] Still referring to the figure 1 , each peripheral antenna 22A of the first ring 22 of peripheral antennas 22A is mounted on a peripheral face 14B of the first part 14 of the support 12 corresponding to a face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid so that the antenna direction DA of said peripheral antenna 22A is substantially orthogonal to said peripheral face 14B.

[0082] In particular, each peripheral antenna 22A of the first ring 22 of peripheral antennas 22A is such that the frame 54 of the receptacle 50 of said peripheral antenna 22A has a plurality of planar walls 55 each extending substantially along one side of the polygon of the corresponding peripheral face of the truncated pyramid.

[0083] In particular, in the example of figures 1 And 2, each peripheral antenna 22A of the first ring 22 of peripheral antennas 22A comprises four planar walls 55 of frame 54 of receptacle 50 corresponding respectively to the four sides of the trapezoid of the corresponding peripheral face of the truncated pyramid.

[0084] Advantageously, as illustrated on the figures 1 à 3 , when the frame 54 of the receptacle 50 of the central antenna 20A comprises N planar walls, each peripheral antenna 22A of the first ring 22 shares a planar wall 55 of frame 54 of receptacle 50 with the central antenna 20A.

[0085] Even more advantageously, each peripheral antenna 22A of the first ring 22 of peripheral antennas 22A shares a planar wall 55 of frame 54 of receptacle 50 with each of the two peripheral antennas 22A of the first ring 22 of peripheral antennas 22A adjacent to said peripheral antenna 22A.

[0086] With reference to the example of the figure 3 , each peripheral antenna 24A of the second ring 24 of peripheral antennas 24A is mounted on a peripheral face 16B of the second part 16 of the support 12 corresponding to a face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid corresponding to the second part 16 of support 12 so that the antenna direction DA of said peripheral antenna 24A is substantially orthogonal to said peripheral face 16B.

[0087] Advantageously, as illustrated the figure 3 , each peripheral antenna 22A of the first ring 22 shares at least one planar wall 55 of frame 54 of receptacle 50 with a peripheral antenna 24A of the second ring 24. In particular, each peripheral antenna 22A of the first ring 22 shares two planar walls 55 of frame 54 of receptacle 50 with respectively two peripheral antennas 24A of the second ring 24.

[0088] Even more advantageously, each peripheral antenna 24A of the second ring 24 of peripheral antennas 24A shares a planar wall 55 of frame 54 of receptacle 50 with each of the two peripheral antennas 24A of the second ring 24 of peripheral antennas 24A adjacent to said peripheral antenna 24A.

[0089] With reference to the figure 4 , a second embodiment of a radioelectric device 10 according to the invention is described.

[0090] In the second embodiment of device 10, compared to the first embodiment of device 10, the central antenna 20A is further such that the frame 54 of the receptacle 50 of the central antenna 20A comprises a cylindrical wall with a circular cross-section.

[0091] In particular, in the second embodiment of the radioelectric device 10, the circular cross-section of the cylindrical wall is inscribed in the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid.

[0092] With reference to figures 5 à 10 , different embodiments of 120, 220, 320 antennas according to the invention are described.

[0093] The central antenna assembly 20A and peripheral antennas 22A, 24A of the radio device 10 can correspond to different combinations of the antennas 120, 220, 320 illustrated on the figures 5 à 10 depending on the needs.

[0094] In these different embodiments, the first 130, 230, 330 and second 140, 240, 340 planar radiating elements are made of an electrically conductive material, in particular with an electrical conductivity between 10⁵ S / m and 10⁸ S / m. For example, the first 130, 230, 330 and second 140, 240, 340 planar radiating elements are made of aluminum or copper.

[0095] In these different embodiments, the antenna 120, 220, 320 further comprises a first layer of dielectric substrate 135, 235, 335 extending between the first planar radiating element 130, 230, 330 and the second planar radiating element 140, 240, 340.

[0096] Advantageously, the antenna 120, 220, 320 further comprises a second layer of dielectric substrate 245 extending between the bottom 152, 252, 352 of the receptacle 250 and the first planar radiating element 230. The second layer of dielectric substrate is omitted on the figures 5 , 6 , 9 And 10 .

[0097] For example, the first dielectric substrate layer 135, 235, 335 and, where applicable, the second dielectric substrate layer 245 are made of a dielectric material, whose dielectric constant is between 2 and 4. For example, the dielectric material is polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

[0098] For example, the 150, 250, 350 receptacle is made of an electrically conductive material, for example aluminum.

[0099] In these different embodiments, the first planar radiating element 130, 230, 330 comprises a main quadrilateral body 132, 232, 332 extending along the first plane P1.

[0100] The principal quadrilateral body 132, 232, 332 is notably substantially planar. By "substantially planar," we mean that the principal quadrilateral body 132, 232, 332 extends in three dimensions, one of these dimensions, extending along a principal axis A-A', being much smaller than the other two dimensions. By "much smaller," we mean, in particular, that the smallest dimension is 5 to 100 times smaller than the other two dimensions.

[0101] In these different embodiments, the second planar radiating element 140, 240, 340 comprises an annular main body 142, 242, 342 extending along the second plane P2 around the main axis A-A'.

[0102] The main axis AA' is substantially perpendicular to the first and second planes P1, P2. In particular, the main axis AA' is substantially parallel to the antenna direction DA.

[0103] The main annular body 142, 242, 342 is notably substantially planar. By "substantially planar," we mean that the main annular body 142, 242, 342 extends in three dimensions, one of these dimensions, extending along the principal axis A-A', being much smaller than the other two dimensions. By "much smaller," we mean, in particular, that the smallest dimension is 5 to 100 times smaller than the other two dimensions.

[0104] In these different embodiments, the 120, 220, 320 antenna further comprises a plurality of 128, 228, 328 connectors.

[0105] Connectors 128, 228, 328 are intended to transmit a radio signal to, or receive a radio signal from, the first 130, 230, 330 or the second 140, 240, 340 planar radiating element.

[0106] In particular, connectors 128, 228, 328 are formed by conductive lines extending substantially parallel to the main axis A-A'.

[0107] In these different embodiments, the frame 154, 254, 354 of the receptacle 150, 250, 350 comprises N planar walls extending substantially along the main axis AA' and whose cross-section forms a polygon of order N.

[0108] In the unillustrated variant, the frame 154, 254, 354 of the receptacle 150, 250, 350 comprises a cylindrical wall with a circular cross-section. In this variant, the first planar radiating element 130, 230, 330 comprises a circular main body extending along the first plane P1.

[0109] In these different embodiments, the frame 154, 254, 354 of the receptacle 150, 250, 350 includes at least one through slot 158, 258, 358.

[0110] With reference to figures 5 And 6, a first embodiment of a 120 antenna according to the invention is described.

[0111] In this first embodiment, the second planar radiating element 140 comprises two radial portions 143 in the form of a band.

[0112] The two radial portions 143 extend from the main annular body 142 towards the main axis AA' in the second plane P2.

[0113] Advantageously, the annular main body 142 of the second planar radiating element 140 defines at least one notch 144 extending from an inner periphery 146 of the annular main body 142 in a radial direction DR substantially perpendicular to the principal axis A-A'. According to the example illustrated in the figures 5 And 6, the main annular body 142 of the second planar radiating element 140 delimits a plurality of notches 144, in particular four notches 144. In particular, the notches 144 are distributed angularly around the main axis A-A'.

[0114] In the first embodiment, two connectors 128 are intended to transmit a radio signal to, or receive a radio signal from, the second planar radiating element 140.

[0115] With reference to the figure 6 , each connector 128 extends substantially perpendicularly to the first and second planes P1, P2 through the first planar radiating element 130 and the first layer of dielectric substrate 135.

[0116] Each connector 128 is electrically connected to a free end 147 of a radial portion 143 of the second planar radiating element 140.

[0117] With reference to figures 7 And 8, a second embodiment of a 220 antenna according to the invention is described.

[0118] In the second embodiment, the main annular body 242 of the second planar radiating element 240 delimits at least one notch 244 extending from an external periphery 248 of the main annular body 242 in the direction of the main axis A-A'.

[0119] For example, the main annular body 242 delimits two notches 244 symmetrical with respect to the main axis A-A'.

[0120] Advantageously, the main annular body 242 further delimits a central orifice 249 extending around the main axis A-A'.

[0121] For example, the central orifice 249 is a slot extending along a slot direction DF substantially perpendicular to the principal axis A-A'.

[0122] Advantageously, the slot direction DF is substantially perpendicular to the notches 244.

[0123] In the example of the figure 7 The slit exhibits a widening around the principal axis A-A'. In other words, the thickness of the slit (measured perpendicular to the slit direction DF) is greater around the principal axis AA' than it is at the ends of the slit.

[0124] In the example of figures 7 And 8 , the main quadrilateral body 232 of the first planar radiating element 230 has two chamfers 233 arranged at two corners of the corresponding quadrilateral.

[0125] In this second embodiment, with reference to the figure 8 , the antenna 220 further includes a short circuit 260 extending along the main axis AA' from the bottom 252 of the receptacle 250 to the first radiating element 230.

[0126] Advantageously, the short circuit 260 is formed by a cylindrical body made of electrically conductive material, in particular metal.

[0127] The short circuit 260 has in cross section substantially perpendicular to the main axis AA' an elliptical shape centered on the main axis A-A'.

[0128] In the second embodiment, a connector 228 is intended to transmit a radio signal to, or receive a radio signal from, the second planar radiating element 240.

[0129] The connector 228 extends substantially parallel to the main axis AA' through the short circuit 260, the first planar radiating element 230, the first layer of dielectric substrate 235 and, where applicable, the second layer of dielectric substrate 245.

[0130] The connector 228 is electrically connected to the main annular body 242 of the second planar radiating element 240.

[0131] Advantageously, as illustrated on the figure 8 , connector 228 extends along a trajectory substantially eccentric with respect to the main axis A-A'.

[0132] With reference to figures 9 And 10 , a third embodiment of a 320 antenna according to the invention is described.

[0133] In the third embodiment, the main annular body 342 of the second planar radiating element 340 delimits at least one notch 344 extending from an external periphery 348 of the main annular body 342 in the direction of the main axis A-A'.

[0134] For example, the main annular body 342 delimits two notches 344 symmetrical with respect to the main axis A-A'.

[0135] Advantageously, the main annular body 342 further delimits a central orifice 349 extending around the main axis A-A'.

[0136] For example, the central orifice 349 is a slot extending along a slot direction DF substantially perpendicular to the principal axis A-A'.

[0137] Advantageously, the slot direction DF is substantially perpendicular to the notches 344.

[0138] In the example of the figure 9 The slit exhibits a widening around the principal axis A-A'. In other words, the thickness of the slit (measured perpendicular to the slit direction DF) is greater around the principal axis AA' than it is at the ends of the slit.

[0139] In this third embodiment, the second planar radiating element 340 includes a radial portion 343 in the form of a band extending from the main annular body 342 to the main axis A-A'.

[0140] Advantageously, the antenna 320 further includes a short circuit 360 extending along the main axis AA' from the bottom 352 of the receptacle 350 to the first radiating element 330.

[0141] Advantageously, the 360 ​​short circuit is formed by a cylindrical body made of electrically conductive material, in particular metal.

[0142] The short circuit 360 has in cross section substantially perpendicular to the main axis AA' an elliptical shape centered on the main axis A-A'.

[0143] A connector 328 of the antenna 320 is intended to transmit a radio signal to, or receive a radio signal from, the second planar radiating element 340.

[0144] The connector 328 extends substantially along the main axis AA' through the short circuit 360, the first planar radiating element 330 and the first layer of dielectric substrate 335.

[0145] The connector 328 is electrically connected to a free end 347 of the radial portion 343 of the second planar radiating element 340.

[0146] The 320 antenna has the following degrees of freedom, allowing it to be adapted for receiving / transmitting different signals: the implementation of a symmetry plane for the second planar radiating element 340 and the orientation of this symmetry plane; the positioning of the connectors 328 in the planes P1, P2; the orientation of the radial portion 343 around the main axis AA'; the orientation of the axis of the ellipse corresponding to the short circuit 360 around the main axis AA'; more generally, the dimensions and geometry of the planar radiating elements and the receptacle.

Claims

1. Radioelectric device (10) for transmitting and / or receiving radioelectric signals comprising: - a support (12) comprising at least a first part (14) having a truncated pyramid shape with polygonal bases of order N, N being a natural number greater than or equal to 5; - a plurality of antennas (20, 120, 220, 320) mounted on the support (12), each antenna (20, 120, 220, 320) comprising: - at least one first planar radiating element (30, 130, 230, 330) extending substantially along a first plane (P1) substantially orthogonal to an antenna direction (DA);and - a receptacle (50, 150, 250, 350) in which at least one first planar radiating element (30, 130, 230, 330) is received, the receptacle (50, 150, 250, 350) comprising a frame (54, 154, 254, 354) extending around a periphery of at least one first planar radiating element (30, 130, 230, 330), the frame (54, 154, 254, 354) substantially conforming to the shape of at least one first planar radiating element (30, 130, 230, 330); the plurality of antennas (20, 120, 220, 320) comprising: - a central antenna (20A) mounted on a main face (14A) of at least a first part (14) of the support (12) corresponding to the base of the truncated pyramid closest to the apex of the corresponding pyramid so that the antenna direction (DA) of the central antenna (20A) is substantially orthogonal to said main face (14A);- at least one first ring (22) of peripheral antennas (22A), each peripheral antenna (22A) of the at least one first ring (22) of peripheral antennas (22A) being mounted on a peripheral face (14B) of the at least one first part (14) of the support (12) corresponding to a face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid such that the antenna direction (DA) of said peripheral antenna (22A) is substantially orthogonal to said peripheral face (14B); ; characterized in that the central antenna (20A) is such that the frame (54) of the receptacle (50) of the central antenna (20A) comprises: - a cylindrical wall with a circular cross-section; or - N planar walls corresponding to the N sides of the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid.

2. Radioelectric device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: - when the frame (54) of the receptacle (50) of the central antenna (20A) comprises N planar walls, each of the N planar walls extends along one side of the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid; and - when the frame (54) of the receptacle (50) of the central antenna (20A) comprises a cylindrical wall with a circular cross-section, the circular cross-section of the cylindrical wall is inscribed in the polygon of the base of the corresponding truncated pyramid.

3. Radioelectric device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each peripheral face (14B) of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid has substantially a polygonal shape of order greater than or equal to 4, each peripheral antenna (22A) of at least a first ring (22) of peripheral antennas (22A) is such that the frame (54) of the receptacle (50) of said peripheral antenna (22A) has a plurality of planar walls (55) each extending substantially along one side of the polygon of the corresponding peripheral face (14B) of the truncated pyramid.

4. Radioelectric device (10) according to claim 3, in which each peripheral face (14B) of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid has substantially a trapezoidal shape, each peripheral antenna (22A) of at least a first ring (22) of peripheral antennas (22A) comprises four planar walls (55) of frame (54) of receptacle (50) corresponding respectively to the four sides of the trapezoid of the corresponding peripheral face (14B) of the truncated pyramid.

5. Radioelectric device (10) according to claim 4, wherein when the frame (54) of the receptacle (50) of the central antenna (20A) comprises N planar walls, each peripheral antenna (22A) shares a planar wall (55) of the frame (54) of the receptacle (50) with the central antenna (20A).

6. Radioelectric device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each peripheral antenna (24A) of at least one first ring (22) of peripheral antennas (22A) shares a planar wall (55) of frame (54) of receptacle (50) with each of the two peripheral antennas (22A) of at least one first ring (22) of peripheral antennas (22A) adjacent to said peripheral antenna (22A).

7. Radioelectric device (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein for each antenna (20), the frame (54) of the receptacle (50) includes at least one through slot (58).

8. Radioelectric device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which N is a natural number between 5 and 9.

9. Radioelectric device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the support (12) comprises at least a second part (16) having a truncated pyramid shape with a polygonal base of order M, M being a natural number greater than or equal to twice N, the first part (14) of the support (12) being mounted on the second part (16) of the support (12) so that a base of the truncated pyramid of at least a second part (16) of support (12) is arranged against a base of the truncated pyramid of at least a first part (14) of support (12);- the plurality of antennas (20) comprising at least a second ring (24) of peripheral antennas (24A), each peripheral antenna (24A) of the at least a second ring (24) of peripheral antennas (24A) being mounted on a peripheral face (16B) of the at least a second part (16) of the support (12) corresponding to a face of the truncated pyramid connecting the bases of the truncated pyramid corresponding to the at least a second part (16) of the support (12) such that the antenna direction (DA) of said peripheral antenna (24A) is substantially orthogonal to said peripheral face (16B).; 10. Radioelectric device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which: - each antenna (20) further comprises at least one second planar radiating element (40) extending substantially along a second plane (P2), the second plane (P2) being substantially parallel to the first plane (P1); - the receptacle (50) of each antenna (20) further comprises a base (52) extending substantially parallel to the first plane (P1) and second plane (P2), the frame (54) extending from the base (52) to delimit a reception space (56) of at least one first planar radiating element (30) and at least one second planar radiating element (40).

Images